|
|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry
ON VIEWING HERSELF IN A GLASS, by ELIZABETH TEFT
First Line: Was nature angry when she formed my clay?
Last Line: With never-fading charms to dress my mind!
Subject(s): Mirrors; Self
First Line: Was nature angry when she formed my clay?
Last Line: With never-fading charms to dress my mind!
Subject(s): Mirrors; Self
Was Nature angry when she formed my clay?
Or, urged by haste to finish, could not stay?
Or dressed with all her store some perfect she,
So lavish there, she'd none to spare for me?
I oft converse with those she's deemed to grace
With air and shape, fine mien, and charming face:
When self-surveyed, the glass hears this reply:
"Dear! what a strange, unpolished thing am I!"
Not that I think it hard, or once upbraid;
Conscious I am that transient charms will fade.
Not but, ye fair, ye beauty gives delight:
'Tis pleasing, wond'rous pleasing to the sight.
Since here defective, Heaven, be so kind
With never-fading charms to dress my mind!
Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!
Other Poems of Interest...
A CAPELLA by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA
AFTER LOOKING UP INTO ONE TOO MANY CAMERAS by HICOK. BOB
FOR A TALL HEADSTONE by JOHN HOLLANDER
SELF-EMPLOYED by DAVID IGNATOW
WHY CAN'T I BE by DAVID IGNATOW
ON LEARNING. DESIRED BY A GENTLEMAN by ELIZABETH TEFT
ON SNUFF-TAKING by ELIZABETH TEFT
TO A GENTLEMAN WHO DISORDERED A LADY'S HANDKERCHIEF, ... CUT HIS THUMB by ELIZABETH TEFT